File, The OregonianOregon State legend A.C. Green said he can still see the Gill Coliseum crowd in his dreams, and loves that fans are coming back to support the Beavers in Craig Robinson's third year.

CORVALLIS -- There was a familiar face sitting courtside Wednesday night as Oregon State took care of Charlotte 83-70, and when the video board showed A.C. Green playing with his nephews, the crowd at Gill Colisum gave an appreciative howl.

Green, who played for legendary coach Ralph Miller back in the 1980s when OSU was a regular in the NCAA tournament, has been a fixture of Oregon State basketball for many years. Recently, Green has been showing up in Corvallis more -- he was on the hiring committee when the Beavers hired Craig Robinson three years ago. After Green, who lives in Los Angeles, had signed autographs for the long line of kids (and their dads), he took some time to answer a few questions. Q: What’s it’s been like to watch Craig rebuild the program?A: I love the transition. It’s sort of the metamorphosis taking place before your very eyes. We’re getting better classes, and more guys who are getting used to the system and that’s really all you need. You just have to have something to build upon. I’m excited about being here, I’ve got my nephews with me, this is an exciting time.

Q: They’re really young but they are fun to watch. I know sometimes they turn the ball over a little more than Craig would like ...A: That’s the growing pains, they have to continue to learn and get a feel for the game of basketball and the system that Coach has here, but they’re working on it and when they’re getting the ball inside a lot more things happen. They’ve gotta get the inside-out more instead of the quick three outside. When they do that, it’s working out well.

Q: It’s probably nice for you to see the crowd coming back.A: I know, I think this is great (gesturing to the almost 4,000 fans who showed up Wednesday night for the game). I’m pleasantly surprised at the turnout. You can still feel the energy, that’s what I like. This really is an exciting time.

File, The OregonianAfter staring at Benson High School in Portland, A.C. Green went to Oregon State and scored 1,694 points from 1982-85, the second most in school history.

Q: You must remember what it was like when Gill was packed.A: You can never forget it. I remember those crowds in my dreams. Just driving in here, you relive so much, I get chills. When I’m here, I see the whole arena still filled, that’s the funny thing. And now I get to come be a part of it, even if it’s not always in a physical body, I’m here with them, I see all the people who believe still, so this is cool for me.

Q: Craig has made a point to reach out to alumni, hasn’t he?A: Oh there’s no doubt he has. I was part of the selection committee when we hired Coach and I was more than happy, obviously. I thought we got the best guy out there and so our relationship started before anyone else’s. I’m still so proud of the (hiring) decision that was made. I’m in, I’m locked. I’m just trying to make sure the other guys in and motivated, and keep everyone participating.